Governor Bello Matawalle

By Muhammad Sabiu

Following the ban placed on telecommunication services and other commercial activities in Zamfara State due to incessant killings and kidnappings, the government on Thursday says about 2000 suspected informers assisting bandits have been apprehended.

Ibrahim Dodara, Zamfara State Commissioner for Information, disclosed this during a press conference in Kaduna.

Mr Dosara was quoted as saying, “The government has set up a situation room where complaints are being received to ensure prompt action.

He added that the terrorists are being eliminated by troops and have been hit by acute hunger due to the ban placed on commercial activities in the state.

“Many bandits have been neutralised by the army. Most of them are forced to eat raw food like millet because they have been cut off from their collaborators in town,” he said.

Based on the reports coming from the state in recent weeks, there has been tremendous success in the area of the fight against the terrorists in north-western Nigeria.

By Muhammad Sabiu

Reports coming from Zamfara State, in Nigeria’s northwest, have indicated that at least seventy-five students, who were kidnapped at Government Day Secondary School, Kaya, have finally regained their freedom after spending twelve days in captivity.

The released students were received by Governor Muhammed Bello Matawalle at the state’s Government House in Gusau.

Confirming the release, Nigeria’s national television, popularly known as NTA, posted on Facebook that, “The seventy-five students of Government Day Secondary School Kaya in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State abducted about two weeks ago regained freedom.”

This is coming amidst a military onslaught against the terrorists operating in the region, who are notorious for killing and kidnapping.

The Matawalle-led Zamfara government had since taken measures to halt the violent activities of the terrorists by intercepting the supply of foodstuffs and petroleum products to their respective camps.

The military onslaught has reportedly forced a number of them to flee their camps amidst suffering heavy casualties.

By Mallam Musbahu Magayaki

The Federal Government of Nigeria has ordered Zamfara state’s communication lines to be disconnected, ostensibly to thwart bandits’ heinous crimes, following bandit attacks in Zamfara State that resulted in the abduction of school children in the state governor’s home town on Wednesday, September 1, 2021, and similarly in Niger and Kaduna states.

Simultaneously, the governments of Zamfara, Niger and Kaduna states have ordered the closure of all weekly markets in the state as part of measures to address the state’s deteriorating situation.

However, the federal and state governments should look into the possibility of providing palliatives for state citizens, as some, if not all of them, maybe unable to put food on their tables due to the closure of their occupational practices.

Furthermore, the government must make immediate efforts to re-energize intelligence gathering regarding terrorists’ plans and use all legal channels available to prevent and prosecute terrorist activities and private sources of support.

According to reports, one kidnap kingpin has threatened towns, stating that everyone who follows the government’s strategy of closing markets and prohibiting the sale of gasoline will be assaulted at any time. As a result, more troops should be deployed to these towns if the government wants the residents to follow official policy.

According to one expert, no one will disobey terrorists he knows will kill him without the government’s help.

Nevertheless, we expect that the measures taken will provide a lasting solution to the high rate of banditry and kidnapping in these states. And the government should be cautious about its choice because these hoodlums could go on to other lanes and cause further havoc in the impacted neighbourhood.

Moreover, to overcome the country’s dreadful condition, inhabitants should completely cooperate with security. If we work together, we can eliminate the country’s threat of instability. Thus, everyone has a part to play in the situation.

In conclusion, traditional rulers in all the affected states should work closely with security forces to combat the security situation in their states because these terrorists are branching out into some of their villages. Residents wouldn’t tell security organizations about them for fear of being attacked or killed by bandits.

Mallam Musbahu Magayaki writes from Sabon Fegi, Azare, Bauchi State.

By Ibrahim Mustapha

The war against Boko Haram is nearing an end. The news emerging daily that many members of the deadly group are surrendering is cheering. However, mixed reactions have continued to trail their repentance. Since the group appeared to wage war against Nigeria, Boko Haram is reported to have killed over 100,000 Nigerians in addition to displacing millions of others. However, our committed and gallant soldiers deserve a pat on their back for ensuring they sustained the onslaught against the insurgents.

At least, the northeastern states, especially Borno, which is ravaged by the group’s activities, are heaving a sigh of relief after many years of horrible experiences. For the group members believed to have a strong link with ISIS to backtrack, repented and embraced amnesty, this is an indication of victory over them. Also, in a country overwhelmed by many security problems, the news of their repentance is a welcome development.

Ironically, while many Boko Haram members are surrendering and the government is rolling out programs to rehabilitate them, bandits in the northwestern states inflict more harm on the helpless, poor communities. In Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and Niger states, bandits have become kings. They impose taxes and only allow local farmers to harvest their crops if certain levies are paid.

In the last three months, there have been increasing cases of students’ abduction for ransom. The continued abduction of students has forced governments to close schools with dire consequences to the education development of the region. Sadly, these daredevil bandits have continued to rake billions of naira from the victims’ low-income families. Disturbed by the continued killings of his people, Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State recently directed his people to arm and protect themselves against the rapacious bandits. However, Governor Masari’s self-defence statement indicates the government’s failure or inability to protect the lives and property of Nigerians as guaranteed by the constitution.

The last straw that broke the camel’s back was the recent shameful invasion of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) by bandits. Whether it was a security breach as alleged by the military or not, the audacity of those bandits proved the poor security network in our military formations. The unfortunate attack should serve as a wake-up call to the government that, like Boko Haram, the bandits are not only attacking soft targets but also highly secured places.

Ibrahim Mustapha writes from Pambegua, Kaduna State. He can be reached via imustapha650@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Sabiu

The governor of Zamfara State, Muhammad Bello Matawalle, has advised the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security.

Mr Matawalle made the recommendation when he hosted Ali Janga, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, in charge of Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi on Wednesday.

The governor also expressed his concern over the incessant attacks of bandits on communities in the northwestern part of the country, which, according to him, are what call for the declaration of a state of emergency on security.

A statement made available by Zailani Bappa, Special Adviser, Public Enlightenment, Media and Communications, indicates that the governor said: “No one feels safe anymore, and the only way to return the country on the path of sanity is to act out of the box.”

He also praised the federal government and security personnel for their diligence in the fight against killings in the region.

Nevertheless, he said, “extra effort is required to contain the growing security problems that are mounting by the day.

“The problem in Zamfara State is quite unique from those in other places and therefore require very careful and constructive solutions to control it.”

The state has, over the years, suffered killings and kidnappings, which lead to the death and displacement of countless people.

By Muhammadu Sabiu

Reports coming from Zamfara State have indicated that suspected terrorists operating in northwestern Nigeria have killed four persons and abducted 50 others in an attack they launched on Goran Namaye in Maradun Local Government Area of the state.

Confirming the attack in Gusau on Monday, Muhammad Shehu, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, said the attackers came in their large number, raided the town around midnight on Sunday, and afterwards killed four persons and kidnapped 50 others.

However, he noted that the police tactical operatives had been deployed to the affected area.

According to him, CP Yakubu Elkana has ordered his men to embark on a search-and-rescue operation for the abducted persons immediately.

He added that the CP had assured residents that they would do everything possible and collaborate with other sister security agencies to maintain peace and order in the state.

Zamfara State has over the years been ravaged by the activities of kidnappers and gunmen who incessantly attack communities regularly.

Governor Muhammad Bello Matawalle has vowed to curb the menace on several occasions, but it seems all is to no avail.

Eleven abducted persons have been rescued by men of the Nigeria Police Force in Zamfara State.

The kidnap victims were taken away by their abductors on Thursday, 12 August.

Zamfara State police public relations officer, SP Mohammed Shehu, said, “The effort that led to the unconditional rescue was sequel to the report of abduction of 11 persons by some group of hoodlums suspected to be bandits at Yarkofoji community in Bakura Local Government Area of the state on 12th August, 2021.”

Also, in yet another rescue effort, the Chief Security Officer of the College of Health Technology, Tsafein, regained his freedom.

SP Shehu said, “The report of his abduction was reported to the police at the early hours of 18th August, 2021, when a group of hoodlums went to his house at around 0040hrs and abducted him. The police search and rescue team swung into action by combing the surrounding forest. Luckily enough, the victim was rescued safely.

“The search and rescue strategies employed by the Commissioner of Police Zamfara State Command, Mr. Ayuba Elkana, led to the successful rescue of the abducted victims without any ransom paid by the relations of the victims.

“The Commissioner congratulated the victims for regaining their freedom and urged them to always be conscious of their security and report any suspicious person to the Police or any nearest security outfit for the prompt response. All the victims have been taken to the hospital for medical checks. Later debriefed by the Police and reunited with their families.”

The police spokesperson further reiterated their readiness to protect the lives and property of people.

Zamfara is one of the northwestern states suffering from the activities of bandits and kidnappers, despite security agencies’ efforts and Governor Matawalle’s vow to bring an end to it.

Jaya settlements in Boko District, Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State was raided by suspected bandits yesterday.

Reports have indicated that several people have been killed and many injured in yesterday’s attack.

A resident of the settlements, who goes by the name Aminu, told Daily Trust newspaper that animals, including cows and others, have been rustled by the attackers.“I saw three injured persons being ferried to a hospital in Boko community. They were shot on arms, legs and thighs,” he said.

“[A] few days ago, the armed men had attempted to attack one community there but were ambushed by vigilantes otherwise known as Yan Sakai, who had got the wind of attack by the armed criminals. The armed bandits retreated after several of them were killed.

“This apparently angered the bandits. They, therefore, reinforced and invaded the communities. Reports say they came on more than 100 motorcycles, and when they laid siege, it was drizzling, and people were taking shelter inside their houses.

“Several women and children had fled the communities, and some of them arrived at Boko community this evening, despite the incessant rainfall,” Mr Aminu told Daily Trust newspaper.

The state’s police command has not made any comment on the incident.

Zamfara State, alongside other northwestern states, is known to have been badly hit by killings and kidnappings virtually daily despite the efforts being made by security agents.

By Muhammadu Sabiu

An unspecified number of mobile police officers have on Sunday been gruesomely killed by suspected bandits at Ƙurar Mota frontline base in Zamfara State.

Confirming the death of the officers via his Facebook account, Governor Matawalle’s Senior Special Assistant, SSA (New Media), Ibrahim Bello Zauma, said the governor had to cancel a meeting he scheduled to have with some political figures in the state.

His statement reads, “Governor Bello Matawalle has just cancelled his scheduled political meeting in commiseration of the death of our gallant MOPOL officers at Kurar Mota frontline base. He visits the injured at the Yariman Bakura Hospital. The Governor is shocked over the bandits’ incursion, which claimed the lives of the police officers. May the souls of those who fell rest in peace.”

However, details of how the police officers got killed have not emerged.

In recent years, Zamfara State, alongside other northwestern states, has been hit hard and ravaged by the gruesome activities of bandits and kidnappers, as so far, a large number of people have been violently killed and kidnapped.